Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing lignin. The method includes feeding lignin material to the system, decreasing particle size of the lignin material in a grinding device in order to manufacture lignin powder having particle size distribution wherein at least 85 wt. % of the lignin agglomerates and particles are less than 300 microns, and increasing dry solids content of the lignin material at least 5 percentage units while decreasing the particle size in the grinding device. In addition, the invention relates to a system for processing lignin, a lignin powder, a method for manufacturing a product including lignin, a system for manufacturing a product including lignin and a product including lignin powder.

Abstract: In this disclosure, a process for producing biomass pellets and sugars from cellulosic biomass is provided, comprising: extracting the feedstock with steam and/or hot water and optionally with an acid catalyst, to produce cellulose-rich solids and an extract liquor containing hemicellulosic oligomers and lignin; separating the cellulose-rich solids from the extract liquor; filtering the extract liquor to remove at least some of the lignin, thereby generating a filter permeate comprising cleaned extract liquor containing the hemicellulosic oligomers and a filter retentate comprising a lignin-rich stream; hydrolyzing the hemicellulosic oligomers in the cleaned extract liquor with an acid or enzymes, to generate hemicellulosic monomers which are recovered; and pelletizing the cellulose-rich solids to form biomass pellets, wherein the pelletizing utilizes at least some of the lignin-rich stream as a binder or binder component.

Abstract: A system for treating biomass for the production of a composition of lignin pellets .is disclosed. Pellets comprising at least 50 percent lignin by dry weight is disclosed. Also disclosed are pellets produced from a lignin composition by a process comprising: pre-treating lignocellulosic biomass into pre-treated biomass; separating the pre-treated biomass into a first liquid component comprising sugars and a first solids component comprising cellulose and the lignin composition; hydrolysing the first solids component of the pre-treated biomass into a hydrolysed biomass comprising sugars and the lignin composition; separating the hydrolysed biomass into a second liquid component comprising sugars and a second solids component comprising the lignin composition; supplying the second solids component comprising the lignin composition to a pelleting apparatus to produce the pellets; wherein the lignocellulosic biomass comprises cellulose, hemi-cellulose and lignin.

Abstract: A solidified biomass consisting of semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter is pressure-formed from raw biomass material while being heated under a substantially sealed-up condition to allow hemicellulose among the main components of the raw biomass material, i.e. lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose, to be thermally decomposed and to allow a low-temperature reaction to occur between the cellulose and lignin while maintaining their skeletons. The pre-semi-carbonized solid matter or semi-carbonized solid matter has a maximum compressive strength of 60-200 MPa and calorific value of 18-23 MJ/kg.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and apparatus to convert biomass, including wood and agricultural residues, into low-ash biomass pellets for combustion, alone or in combination with another solid fuel. Some embodiments provide processes for producing low-ash biomass from cellulosic biomass, comprising providing an aqueous extraction solution with acetic acid; extracting the feedstock to produce an extract liquor containing soluble ash, hemicellulosic oligomers, acetic acid, dissolved lignin, and cellulose-rich solids; dewatering and drying the cellulose-rich, lignin-rich solids to produce a low-ash biomass; hydrolyzing the hemicellulosic oligomers to produce hemicellulosic sugars, wherein additional acetic acid is generated; removing a vapor stream comprising vaporized acetic acid from the extract; and recycling the vapor or its condensate to provide some starting acetic acid for the extraction solution. The disclosed processes can produce clean power from biomass.

Abstract: A composite wood product adapted for burning includes a compacted mixture of lignosulfonate, wood particles, and ground corn. A method of manufacturing the composite wood product includes: (i) providing and mixing the lignosulfonate, the wood particles, and the ground corn to form a mixture having a moisture content from about 6 wt. % to about 18 wt. %; compacting the mixture at high pressure; and drying the mixture to obtain an optimum moisture level for burning. The composite wood product may be provided in a kit that includes log-shaped pieces and starter pieces.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods for processing lignin-containing biomass so as to render it more amenable to hydroprocessing, wherein such processing typically reduces the level of oxygen in the biomass. Following such processing, the resulting reduced-oxygen lignin-derived product can be hydroprocessed into a biofuel suitable for use as a transportation fuel. Additionally, in some embodiments, such methods can be integrated with one or more other processes, wherein such other processes can be production and/or logistical in nature.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing thermoset, water repellent binders particularly effective for forming combustible composite materials. The binders include a mixture of an alkaline protein hydrolyzate and a bio-oil or an acidic protein hydrolyzate and a lignin compound. Desirably, the binders and the resulting combustible composite materials are substantially free of formaldehyde.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for producing fuel briquettes from high moisture fine coal. The apparatus includes a coal fine pelletizer, a pellet dryer and a fuel briquette former all provided in-line for the efficient production of fuel briquettes. The method comprises forming pellets from coal fines, drying those pellets to a desired moisture content of about 1 to about 10% and forming fuel briquettes from the dried pellets.

Abstract: Artificial fire logs made from non-petrochemical based, renewable materials are described. These artificial fire logs perform substantially equivalent to existing commercial fire logs. The artificial fire logs are made from cellulosic materials, a lignin containing composition and a non-petroleum based wax where the lignin containing composition comprises lignin and 1,3-propanediol derived from a renewable resource.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for producing fuel briquettes from high moisture fine coal. The apparatus includes a coal fine pelletizer, a pellet dryer and a fuel briquette former all provided in-line for the efficient production of fuel briquettes. The method comprises forming pellets from coal fines, drying those pellets to a desired moisture content of about 1 to about 10% and forming fuel briquettes from the dried pellets.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method of heat treating a solid fuel briquette may include heating the solid fuel briquette using energy from at least one of a heat furnace or an electromagnetic energy system of a solid fuel treatment facility as the solid fuel briquette is moved through the treatment facility to a specified internal temperature, and sealing the heat-treated solid fuel briquette in a vessel for a duration of time.

Abstract: A solid fuel is formed in a cuber to form body pieces formed of materials extruded through a die with a density greater than 35 lbs/cu ft; an energy content greater than 6500 BTU/lb; transverse dimensions less than 1.5 inches; and a length less than 4 inches; from plant biomass material which contains components when extended of greater than 1.0 inch. Primarily the materials are paper or other cellulose product and crop residue such as wheat straw. The cellulose and lignin from these materials act without additional binders as binders and encasing materials. The moisture content is maintained at a target value by mixing selected quantities of the materials without drying. The cubing machine has a feeding system where the space between the inner rotor and outer casing is smaller than 4 inches and the height of the outer flight is less than 1 inch.

Abstract: A binder composition for use in forming briquettes is disclosed. The composition comprises from about 5 to about 95% asphalt base and about 5 to about 95% sodium carbonate pulping liquor by weight. The binder composition may contain up to about 3% by weight of a surfactant, such as nonyl phenol ethoxylate, to increase homogeneity of briquette formation. Strength increasing additives such as latex, vinyl derivatives, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, peat moss, starch, starch derivatives, pulp from the pulp and paper industry, paper, cardboad, acrylic copolymers and combinations thereof, may be added to the binder composition in a total amount of up to about 10% by weight. Lignosulfonate may be added to the composition in an amount of up to about 30% by weight. An inorganic component such as cement or bentonite clay may be added in an amount of up to about 70% by weight, and up to about 30% by weight of a plasticizer such as rubber or plastic may be added.

Abstract: Thermally shock-resistant chemically bonded agglomerates suitable for use as a combustible fuel or in a gasification process are produced by:(a) mixing particulate organic material comprising particulate carbonaceous fuel and/or animal excrement (such as dewatered comminuted sewage sludge) with a lignosulfonate, in the presence of water, with application of heat sufficient to maintain the lignosulfonate in fluid form, so as to deposit a film of lignosulfonate over the surface of the particulate material;(b) oxidatively conditioning the lignosulfonate coated particulate material under conditions permitting escape of water present in the mixed particulate material, the conditioning either being in the presence of calcium ions or being followed by mixing the conditioned particulate material with lime; and(c) shaping the resulting free-flowing plastic mixture under pressure, to form the thermally shock-resistant agglomerates.

Abstract: Pellets or briquettes useful as fuel are produced from sewage sludge solids. Mechanically stable pellets or briquettes result from combining a major portion of sewage sludge solids with lesser amounts of lime and binder materials suitable for imparting stability to the product and pressing or extruding the combined components into desired shapes. Coal may be included in the pellet or briquette composition for improved fuel value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pelletized fuel composition comprising coal fines in an amount of from 60% to 80% by weight, paper making sludge in an amount of from 10% to 30% by weight, and a shredded polymeric material in an amount of from 0.5% to 15% by weight. Surprisingly and unexpectantly, a high percentage of correctly sized pellets having a desired degree of hardness and structural integrity result without the necessity of a binder, the use of very high pressures or drying the completed pellets by heating at elevated temperatures. A method of manufacturing the fuel composition involving pelletizing at a pressure of from about 1,000 psig to about 4,000 psig is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for time production of fuel pellets or briquettes from sewage sludge solids and municipal solid waste with minimal drying requirements. In one of its more specific aspects, this invention relates to a solid pelleted or briquetted fuel product consisting essentially of sewage sludge solids, waste paper and/or refuse derived fuel, and crushed coal, and to its method of preparation. In still another of its specific aspects, this invention relates to a method for the production of fuel gases from sewage sludge solids and cellulosic wastes.

Abstract: A method and composition for control of in-transit and residual dust from coal or coke is provided. The method involves spraying the coal or coke with fluid, preferably water, containing an additive comprised of approximately 90-99% by weight of lignosulfonate and 1-10% by weight of polyacrylic acid. Sufficient fluid should be used to coat the coal or coke. The amount of additive necessary to prevent dusting will vary according to the conditions to which the coke or coal will be subjected.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of fuel pellets or briquettes from sewage sludge solids. In one of its more specific aspects, this invention relates to a solid pelleted fuel product consisting essentially of sewage sludge solids and caking coal and to its method of preparation. In still another of its specific aspects, this invention relates to a method for the production of fuel gases from sewage sludge solids.